Samsung UI 5 Galaxy Watch: Introducing Irregular Heartbeat Monitoring

Samsung has announced that the upcoming UI 5 Galaxy Watch update will introduce heart monitoring features to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The Health Monitor app will be integrated with this new feature which will be available this summer. The update combines with existing electrocardiogram monitoring to analyze pulse rate data for irregular heart rhythms.

When an irregularity is detected, the watch will notify users to take an ECG test by placing their finger on the top of the outside button.

Google’s Fitbit devices and Apple Watches offer similar heart monitoring capabilities during sleep or stillness and notify users about potential AFib episodes while also logging AFib history.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a disorder defined by a rapid and irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of blood clot formation and may result in heart attacks or death. Short scans may miss these random arrhythmia periods, making a smartwatch an ideal continuous monitor.

Samsung designs the heart monitoring feature for users 22 years and older and does not intend it for non-AFib arrhythmias.

The ECG app is for general wellness and fitness, not medical diagnosis. Consult a medical professional or use dedicated monitoring devices for accurate medical assessment.

Samsung received FDA clearance for heart rhythm notifications in May and obtained regulatory approval in South Korea. The feature will be available in 11 additional markets, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, most of Western Europe, and several countries in Central and South America.

Visit Samsung’s announcement page for the full list of countries